Duplex

Duplexes are buildings with apartments for two different households. A duplex usually looks like other houses, but it has a separate entrance for each household.

In some places, the word "duplex" is more specific: In some regions, a "duplex" is a building with one unit above the other, separated by a floor and ceiling, but the staircase for upstairs residents is almost always indoors. In other regions, a "duplex" is a twin house: The units are next to each other, separated by a wall. In some regions, the word "duplex" is used for both kinds of buildings. The word "duplex" is not used in some cities, particularly Detroit, Dallas or Chicago.